You can find lists online of the natural & lab grown stones which work (many don’t). The clay shrinks around them. So far my experiments have worked fine (natural peridot, natural zircon, lab rubies & sapphires). There are different silver clays with different shrinkage rates, I’m pretty new to it & haven’t really looked into that aspect. I watched some of Pam East’s videos & took her advice. I’ll just use it for certain things, that I can’t do with the other silvers.
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Well, I went a different direction than everyone else. I usually don’t make jewelry for myself, but this year I gave myself I gorgeous Opal set in 18 kt that I made.
Bernie
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Oh fantastic! I’d love to see if you feel like sharing.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I have been worried about the speed for proper low-risk stone-setting.
I surprised myself with how much I splurged! I have been away from the bench for about a year, and now that I’m back I guess I got excited. I’m getting the GRS microblock xl, which will be my first proper vise ever. I’m looking forward to beginning with engraving and flush setting, and bezel setting much more easily. An optivisor and a couple gravers as well, of course. I’m tracking the UPS shipment closely.
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Ahhhh so exciting!! I hope it comes fast.
I’m curious what kind of stand/table you’ll use to hold it? I’m thinking about making a centering table thingy but who knows when.
Btw, in case you haven’t seen it - there’s some really nice approachable tutorials for graver sharpening on the instagram of the hazel.handengraving account.
I’m now doing a bunch of calligraphy work to improve that too 
it never ends
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Here is the one I couldn’t let go. This photograph doesn’t really capture the play of color very well. It has a lot of red in it, and I fell in love.
This one is just a phone pic before it was finished, but shows the play of color better
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Hi,
Wowza, congratulations on your new pendant! The colors are magical!
julie
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WOW! I bet it’s even better in person. That’s a gorgeous piece. Well done.
I had to get an oxy-propane torch to let me make a few presents 
This is one of them - photographed by my very kind wife
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You did need it. That’s a beautiful piece!
beautiful… merry christmas to yourself!
What are you going to make next … it’s Chinese New Year, year of the dragon…jadeite would be perfect…go for it!
I know this thread is old, but I had to let you know the matching manicure is such a cute idea. Looks great with that finish.
I bought myself an Ultratec VL lapidary machine and just today, a foot bellows gas blow torch from Alibaba. I’m actually more excited about the torch than I am about the Ultratec, mainly because the torch was a real challenge to find. But cutting my own gemstones on a fine machine like the VL will also be a treat.
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Oh congrats! That’s so fun. Post the link to the Alibaba Torch if you’re willing. I’m really curious how that works out. It looks so cool!
It’s the holidays again! I’m eyeing a micromotor as I expand into setting more stones. I also picked up a second oxygen concentrator today off Fbook for $80!!
Gear head fun
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A bench micromotor is awesome. My foot starts to cramp after a few long flex shaft sessions. I didn’t realize the original post was two years old already. Still very timely! I am looking forward to getting the torch. Here is the link to the torch. Leather Air Bellow Sets With One Brass Kettle One Torch One Brass Kettle Hull Duct One Plastic Funnel Jewelry Tool - Buy Rubber Bellows With Flange,Air Bellows Air Suspension Springs,Jewelry Welding Set Product on Alibaba.com Shipping was twice the cost of the torch but what ever, If it works as good as it looks on the You Tube channel I am going to be happy. I love rudimentary tools.
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That’s so fun. Yeah I like rudimentary tools as much as I like the high tech stuff. Can’t wait to see what it’s like when you get it.
Oh, darn, I missed the Holiday Goodies update. . I have to share that my wonderful husband gave me a throat less cutter that cuts 16 gauge copper and other metals.We share studio/ garage space ., his motorcycles , ok one is mine. the other 3 are his!
This lovely gift may have been the result of my
semi cursing over broken saw blades while cutting copper circles for vessels.
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